Soldiers of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) are accused of establishing a system of slavery and extortion against their compatriots at the Rondi mining site in the commune of Abba, Nana-Mambéré prefecture. The article reveals that Commander Lamtagué and his men have established this system of slavery against their own Central African compatriots at the Rondi mining site. Commander Lamtagué and his men, deployed to secure the Chinese mining operation, are reportedly imposing this system. This system is imposed by soldiers of the Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA) deployed to secure the Chinese mining site. The allegations suggest soldiers are exploiting Central African citizens at the site through various illicit means.
Exploitation of Villagers
The Central African State has reportedly ceded the lands belonging to local villagers to Chinese mining interests. This transfer of land has significantly impacted the livelihoods of the local population. Consequently, villagers are now recovering "poubelles," which are gravels rejected by the Chinese after gold extraction, in an effort to find gold crumbs for their survival. This practice, while rudimentary, represents a critical means of sustenance for many in the area.
Accessing these waste piles is not free; a fee of 1,000 FCFA is charged for each single entry to collect the Chinese waste, specifically the 'poubelles'. For those wishing to enter twice, the fee increases to 2,000 FCFA. This financial barrier directly impacts the poorest members of the community. Villagers unable to pay these fees or who attempt to bypass the entry barrier face severe beatings from the soldiers present at the site. These punitive measures are reportedly enforced by the FACA soldiers deployed there. These practices show the dire conditions faced by the local population in the vicinity of the Rondi mine, noting the soldiers' control over even the most basic means of survival.
Imposed Taxes and Blockades
Commander Lamtagué imposes a weekly tax of 50,000 FCFA on individuals conducting manual gold panning operations outside the main Chinese mining site. This levy targets independent miners working in the vicinity of Rondi. The Central African Armed Forces (FACA) commander's directive mandates this payment from those seeking to extract gold using traditional methods. This significant weekly fee places a substantial burden on independent miners, many of whom operate on thin margins.
Failure to remit the weekly tax results in the confiscation or blockage of essential mining equipment. Water pumps and generators, critical tools for manual gold panning, are specifically targeted when miners do not comply with the payment demand. This enforcement mechanism ensures compliance with the imposed financial obligations, effectively halting operations for those unable or unwilling to pay. Such actions directly undermine the economic stability of the local mining community and demonstrate the FACA's control over independent mining activities.
Soldiers' Direct Mining Operations
Beyond their involvement in taxing independent miners and controlling access to waste piles, soldiers at the Rondi mining site are also reportedly operating their own mining endeavors. According to reports, these military personnel utilize villagers for tasks such as digging and gravel washing at their privately run sites. The soldiers then confiscate any gold extracted by these villagers without offering compensation. Sources indicate that individuals who attempt to seek payment for their labor face threats or physical beatings from the soldiers. This practice extends the alleged exploitation by the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) beyond taxation and control to direct involvement in forced labor for mineral extraction. The allegations suggest a systematic pattern of coercion and non-payment for work performed by local residents at the hands of the deployed military, effectively establishing a system of slavery.
Reporting Structure and Wider Issues
The money collected from various levies and fees at the Rondi mine is reportedly remitted to Adjudant-chef KOTA MABOKO, who serves as the base chief, and his deputy, Adjudant BANAMAYE. Both individuals are said to report directly to Commander Lamtagué regarding these financial collections. This alleged reporting structure indicates a clear chain of command for the funds generated through these activities, suggesting an organized system of illicit revenue generation. Beyond the Rondi site, similar practices involving soldiers are reported to occur at mining locations throughout the national territory. These include sites such as Gaga, Zawa, Berberati, and Nakombo, suggesting a broader pattern of such conduct within the country's mining sector and indicating that the issues at Rondi may not be isolated incidents.